The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-05

Certainly Mr. Harris account of the first ap-
pearance of this famous soneis entitled to much
consideration; but. long before his story was
made known to tine world. the following history
Of the first appearance OF ths-as IL now stands
masterpiece of the gifted Poe read in old
newspaper which fell into my hands, and tax
pleasure in giving the narrative to the reader
] recall il after Inc lapse of many years. 1t was
during the early portion of November, 1S49,
think. that young lawyer. who had but recent
~ begun the practice of his profession in Balti-
more, was sitting late one evening before his
cheerful fire in his Office, INDUCING in deep
reverie, when he was suddenly aroused from
dreamland by q loud knock at mis- outer
door. He called 20 his colored servant boy, who
was doing a low stool in the chimney corner,
and sent him TO answer the call from without.
In a few M ments the boy returned. saying
there o at the door when he opened It.
but in tho moonlisht he saw gentleman stand
ing in the middle of the street, all alone, who
appeared to be talking to himself while at the
same time he wildly eesticulating with his
arms The young lawyer arose, and, followed
by the boy, went TO the door. As he opened it
and looked ont, he observed gentleman stand
inc the sidewalk, whose attention was at once
turned toward him.
Ibid you knock at my door, inquired the
LAWYER addressing the strangar.
Yes. SIR" was the latter's reply in pleas
ant tone. Sand trust you will pardon for
disturbing you at late hour should not
have done SO had not some thoughts come to me
as l was passing along, which very much de-
sired to put paper Observing your light,
ventured knock at your door TO obtain per-
mission to enter your Office. where / might
through your kindness, be allowed some paper
which to jot down what vas passing in my
mind
Certainly. you are at liberty to walk in and
make yourself at home" said the lawyer
Tho stranger followed the latter to his room,
and the lawyer, placing some writing material
at his disposal, at the same time Offering him a
a seat at the table, remarked that he would
tire to his private apartment for the night, but
he 1.-THE strangely was very welcome to remain
as long as he chose, and should he desire any
thing further, his servant would wait upon him.
And. bidding the stranger good night, be passed
to adjoining room
A few moments after the negro boy dropped
down his bunk in a corner of the room, and
IN q short time fast asleep. The stranger,
til at length. grown weary, he too. laying
down his pen and bowling his head upon the
table. fell into deep slumbe Early the next
morning the lawyer awoke. and his first thought
being of the stranger. he hastily dressed himself
and opened the door leading TO his Office, where.
to mis- great astonishment, he behsld his guest of
the previous night still sitting who're he had left
him hours before his head resting On the table,
and he fast asleep. But the slight noise occa-
stoned by the opening of the door awakened the
stranger, who quickly rising, apologiZed most
Drofusely for remaining 80 long, remarking that,
being greatly fatigued the previous night, he had
uniptentionally fallen asleep. His friend would
pardon him and extending his hand TO the law
yer, he turned to go.
But you have neglected. TO take what you have
been writing about said the lawyer. stepping
forward the table and taking M several
sheets of paper covered with beautiful chiro-
granny
"Oh no SIR returned the stranger. iI have
left that for ycu in token or your great kindness
to me- have copy of what have written.
Good morning
The lawyer examined the contribution which
the unknown gentleman had left, and found 1t
10 be lyric OF most captivating beauty and
power, entitled simply The Bells But his
the singular poem he read the authors name
Edgar Allan Poe.